After three seasons of back-to-back expansions (more than 400 acres of quad-consuming chutes and steeps) on what was already an epic mountain, we need to catch our breath—made all the more difficult by No. 2–ranking Scenery that threatens to take it away around every bend. “Revelation Bowl and hike-to Black Iron Bowl is the best terrain in the country,” gushes one reader. “The most beautiful area in Colorado,” raves another. And even though it has made its name with Alp-like above-treeline vertical that earns it a No. 11 for Challenge (“My only complaint about Telluride is my own weakness—darn tough mountain,” says one reader), a No. 8 in Terrain Variety should quell any doubts that it has skiing aplenty for every level. Complaints that the remote box canyon is “hard to get to” may dissipate as visitors wise up to Delta’s expanded jet service to Montrose—an hour away. Of course, with improved access come bigger crowds. So be careful what you wish for.
/ What’s New / Gold Hill Chutes 1–5 open this winter, joining Chutes 6–10. Take a break halfway through skiing them all to enjoy a gourmet sandwich and glass of wine at the new-last-season Alpino Vino near the top of Gold Hill.
/ Mandatory Run / See Forever, a long intermediate ridgeline trail with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks
